USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Attleboro > Reports of town officers of the town of Attleborough 1918 > Part 15
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The various requirements of the Draft Law have shown that our boys called under that law, although their previous years had been spent in the shops, have measured up to the standards required for physical and mental fitness fully as good as those of any section of the country. Their record as made at the front in Europe and at the various camps in the United States where they have been located in all branches of the service, is one, the citizens of Attleboro should feel proud of and our Committee takes special pride in the fact that they had a part in the assembling of such a body of men who are an honor to their country, their state, their city and themselves.
EDWARD A. SWEENEY,
Chairman Recruiting Committee.
Attleboro, Mass., December 1st, 1918.
Maj. George H. Sykes,
Chairman of Public Safety Committee,
Dear Sir:
As chairman of the Local committee of the "Soldier and Sailor Information Bureau" I would report that the committee has been more than busy from the time of its inception up to date. A large part of that time was used in obtaining the ten dollar per month extra pay given by the state to all soldiers enlisted in Massachusetts and cred- ited to the quota of this state under the law of 1917.
We also framed a bill which was passed into law in 1918 giving to all drafted men and men who enlisted outside the State of Massachu- setts who at time of enlistment were residents of this state, the same extra pay of $10.00 per month during their service up to January 15th, 1918. We have also been of great service to the relatives and friends of men in the service in locating them and putting them in touch with each other and advising and looking after the collection of the sol- diers' allotments and government allowances to which the dependents of the soldiers were entitled.
We are now at work preparing or endeavoring to prepare a com- plete list of Attleboro residents who have taken active part in the army or navy in the service of any of the allies.
This has been partially completed and a beautiful cabinet contain- ing a partial list has already been placed on the common and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies.
.In closing this report I would state that considerable credit is due to Mrs. Marion Sykes Flagg, the secretary of this committee and to Mrs. Eliza B. Daggett, the other member, for the great amount of work they have done gratuitously at considerable inconvenience to themselves.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD A. SWEENEY, Chairman.
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ANNUAL REPORT
Attleboro, Mass., November 20, 1918.
Major George H. Sykes, Chairman, Committee on Public Safety,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The Committee on Industrial Survey of Attleboro, in response to your request, submits the following summary of the work done by it.
In April 1917 an inventory of all machines, lathes, presses and other apparatus in use in the local factories, that might be adaptable for war work was made by this committee.
This work was done upon forms similar to those designed and used by the Committee on Industrial Survey of North Attleboro, Mass., so that when completed the surveys covered the industrial resources of these two manufacturing centers.
In June 1917 this data was delivered to his Honor, Mayor H. E. Sweet, for use by the Attleboro Chamber of Commerce and we understand that the same has formed the basis of the representations made by the Chamber of Commerce to the various Boards at Wash- ington with reference to the industrial development of the factories of the Attleboros on war work.
Also at the request of the Public Safety Committee of Massachu- setts, we compiled and furnished detailed information relative to the equipment of the local grocers for prompt delivery of supplies both by horse drawn vehicles and by automobile trucks.
Respectfully submitted,
WM. J. LUTHER,
Chairman of the Committee on Industrial Survey for Attleboro.
Attleboro, Mass.
Major George H. Sykes, Chairman,
Committee on Public Safety,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
The automobile committee of the Public Safety Committee was ap- pointed March 26, 1917. Since that time nearly all automobile owners in the city have been called upon to assist in the work and in most cases the response has been generous.
At various times during the period troops have been carried to and from Framingham and Ayer, from five to ten cars being used each time.
Early in the year private cars were used to carry the made sur- gical dressings into Boston for the Red Cross. These cars were found by the committee.
Cars for various parades during the time, especially those for carrying the Grand Army have been procured.
The greatest work of the year was done during the influenza epi- demic. At this time cars were made available day or night for the use of the nurses. One hundred and eighty cars were used during the eighteen days.
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The committee extends heartiest thanks to those car owners who have made such generous donation of their cars during our period of service.
Very truly yours, C. L. ROGERS, Chairman.
Attleboro, Mass.
Major George H. Sykes, Chairman, Committee on Public Safety,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I beg to submit briefly my report of sub-committees on which I have and am serving, as follows:
Four Minute Men; organized one year ago; conducted more than sixteen campaigns on various topics and drives. Sixteen speakers in local organization, speaking chiefly at local theatres, but also in churches, factories, and other gatherings. Still continuing.
U. S. Public Service Reserve and U. S. Employment Service: Eighty-two men registered for shipbuilding call and other workmen. Farm Work Enrollment: Fourteen men registered.
Registration under Compulsory Work Law of Mass .: Thirteen men registered.
The most of my work has been with the Four Minute Men. We have tried to carry the messages of the administration as furnished us by the bulletins from Headquarters at Washington, which have cov- ered topics to counteract the so-called German propaganda as well as to create enthusiasm and interest in Bond issues and giving for the Red Cross and other war aids.
The Four Minute Speakers were:
Rev. T. J. Horner W. L. King
E. A. Remington
L. A. Fales
Guy Wing E. F. Thayer
Rev. E. E. Wells
P. E. Brady
E. L. Ford Harold E. Sweet
C. J. Peterson
Joseph Kerkhoff
Rev. A. E. Worman
W. O. Lochner
W. G. Meader Rev. C. H. Pennoyer
We are at present trying to impress the need of keeping up pay- ments to the War Chest.
Very respectfully yours,
RALPH C. ESTES.
Attleboro, Mass., December 10, 1918.
Major George H. Sykes, Chairman,
Attleboro Committee on Public Safety.
Dear Sir:
Herewith you will find report of certain War Activities, to the charge of which I was appointed on your recommendation, and in
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which capacities I have acted as part of your General Committee:
1st :- As local correspondent for the Massachusetts Bureau of Im- migration I have endeavored to be a friendly first aid leader among the foreign-born peoples of the city and to bring them into relationship with the educational and protective service of the Bureau in the State House. Circulars in foreign languages have been circulated explaining the work of the Bureau. Posters in foreign languages have been placed warning against exploitation of Service Men's insurance. Other literature has been distributed. Conferences have been held. At the official suggestion of the Bureau I have set apart the weekly hour of 7.30 to 8.30 Saturday evenings for consultation and advice, at 140 County Street, and have been of some service already. I have had assistance of both old and new Americans.
2nd :- As general chairman of Americanization I was asked to take charge of the coordinating of all such work done in the city, the State Committee being asked to so appoint leaders by the word of the Council of National Defense and Federal Government, thus giving standing to activity which otherwise might not seem so vital to many. All activities along this line of schools, factories, clubs and committees are expected to cooperate for efficiency. Naturalization is one matter which needs assistance. It has been the task of the committee to in- terpret the country to all the people, particularly the new comers, to inake for a better understanding and feeling between old and new citizens and citizens-to-be, and between the different groups of each, and, finally to lead in the development of a vital community spirit on the part of all. Our Community Defense sessions at the Attleboro Community Fellowship have sought to bring the war home to every last man and woman, through the presentation of all the varied war services, and in fine, to make for the strongest civilian morale.
3rd :- As chairman of the Liberty Chorus and Community Music Movement I am able to say that the A. C. F. Community Sings have been regularly held and with great success, John Laing Gibb being the effective and popular musical director. The Community Chorus and the Community Orchestra have been organized again this year with Mr. Gibb as the conductor. Victory Singing has been carried out in the theatres, clubs, churches and other meetings. The Four Minute Singing has been well received. The Community Chorus led our notable Americanization Division in the Victory Parade, Nov. 11th, Mrs. Eva Besque England, Peter Colvin, Henri Duranleau, Mrs. Mae Pillsbury Green, Daniel K. Nicola and others have assisted.
All of these activities are as vital in Peace as in War, the last two having started before the war under the direction of the Attleboro Community Fellowship, and the Government authorities are asking for the continuance after the war as has been planned for. I have been appointed to State Committee on Community Organization.
Yours for Liberty and Unity,
CHARLES H. PENNOYER.
Attleboro, Mass., December 6, 1918.
Major Geo. H. Sykes, Chairman,
Public Safety Committee, Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In accordance with your request I take pleasure in submitting the following report of the Committee on Non-War Construction:
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ANNUAL REPORT
Appointed for only a very few weeks before the signing of the armistice, the Committee was requested to consider only three appli- cations for non-war construction permits. Of these three applications, one was reported unfavorably, one was temporarily delayed, and one- an application for building a barn-was endorsed.
Your Committee, of which Mr. Millard F. Ashley was chairman and Mr. Karl Hyde and the undersigned secretary were members, sin- cerely endeavored to consider its duties from the viewpoint of serving the best interests of the Nation rather than community growth. This known policy of the Committee possibly restrained prospective build- ers from making application during the national crisis.
Respectfully submitted,
COMMITTEE ON NON-WAR CONSTRUCTION, Walter O. Lochner, Secretary.
Attleboro, Mass., December 6, 1918.
Major Geo. H. Sykes, Chairman,
Public Safety Committee, Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In accordance with your request, the undersigned called the at- tention of the local retail merchants to the Order of the Council of National Defense in regard to Christmas Shopping.
All local merchants were ready to respect the several requests of the Council of National Defense, and had undertaken a campaign of education through the press and otherwise to acquaint the general public of the several restrictions concerning Christmas Shopping. Fur- ther intensive effort would have been made along this line, had it not been for the very opportune removal of all restrictions immediately following the signing of the armistice.
Respectfully submitted,
RETAIL BUREAU OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
Walter O. Lochner, Secretary.
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ANNUAL REPORT
ATTLEBORO WAR CHEST
Attleboro, Mass., December 5, 1918.
To the Honorable Harold E. Sweet, Mayor,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In compliance with your request I am enclosing a synopsis of the activities of the Attleboro War Chest, as follows:
Date of organization, May 23, 1918.
President, T. S. Carpenter; Vice-President, J. L. Sweet; Treasurer, E. H. Brown; Secretary, W. O. Lochner.
Executive Board: T. S. Carpenter, Chairman; Louis A. Anderson, John J. Coady, Mrs. H. M. Daggett, Louis A. Dequoy, Joseph Finberg, Walter L. Gardner, John J. Hodge, C. P. Keeler, T. O. Mullaly, E. A. Remington, T. G. Sadler, Harold E. Sweet, J. L. Sweet, Mrs. J. L. Wiggmore, Joseph H. Williams.
Disbursing Board: Harold E. Sweet, Chairman; T. S. Carpenter, John J. Coady, John R. Curry, Louis A. Dequoy, Joseph Finberg, Ernest D. Gilmore, N. G. Larson, T. G. Sadler.
Judge Philip E. Brady has been elected to fill the place vacated by John J. Coady, deceased.
Campaign Committee: T. S. Carpenter, Chairman; J. L. Sweet, E. A. Remington, S. H. Garner, H. M. Fiske, Secretary.
Object of Association: To provide efficient ways and means for raising funds in the city of Attleboro to help win the war and to dis- burse and apportion said funds as follows: To the following organiza- tions and War Relief agencies upon the affirmative vote of seven of the Committee on Disbursements: American Red Cross; National War Work Council of the Y. M. C. A. of the United States; Knights of Columbus Committee on War Activities; Jewish Welfore League for Soldiers and Sailors; American Library Association; War Camp Com- munity Service; other organizations and agencies, recognized by the United States Government as engaged in general war welfare work. Accordingly, the Salvation Army and the Young Women's Christian as- sociation have been added to the list, as well as Smileage Books.
The Campaign for funds opened Sunday evening, May 19, with the presentation of "Stabat Mater," musical oratorio by Rossinni, under the joint auspices of the Y. M. C. A. and the K. of C. Associations. Tickets were sold and the net receipts given over to the War Chest. The house was a large one which expressed appreciation for both the concert and the spirit of fraternity displayed by the organizations who were responsible for it. The result made a very good start for the drive which began Monday, May 20, closing May 27.
The Publicity Committee consisting of S. H. Garner, Chairman; John J. Coady; Geo. C. Harrison; Wm. L. King; R. H. Marden; E. D. Rhind, brought out some unique stunts in advertising, finishing with the Burial of the Kaiser, a performance witnessed by appreciative thousands.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The Army Division was commanded by Gen. C. P. Keeler, assisted by Colonels Joseph Clegg, J. Frank Ryder, R. M. Horton, H. A. Allen, Henry Blake, Richard Crawford, Ervin Sweet, Lewis Chilson, A. A. French, Frank Truell, Arthur Sturdy, Harry Richardson, E. L. Qvarn- strom, Amos Blackinton, Vernon Hodges, and T. G. Sadler.
Gen. F. M. Payson, of the Aviation Division, had as aids, Colonels T. G. Sadler, Ray Torrey, Nelson Hager, Lewis Chilson, John E. Ander- son, and Harry Carpenter.
The Navy under Admiral George F. Lilly, had as Commodores R. C. Estes, M. E. Bliss, Jesse Carpenter, F. T. Chase, Herbert Mackinnon, T. E. McCaffrey, Jr., C. J. Peterson, T. O. Mullaly.
Gen. Eliza Daggett, of the Motor Corps, had as aids, Colonels Ethel S. Hollis, Mrs. Percy Callowhill, Mrs. May Porter, Mrs. P. J. Cum- mings, Mrs. J. L. Wiggmore, and Mrs. Barnhill.
These men and women and their organizations waged a most satisfactory campaign, securing pledges and cash amounting to $144,000, divided among 7900 people.
The Mayor of the city issued a proclamation asking that no other solicitation be made in the city for War Relief purposes except through this agency.
The success of the Chest has been such that no attempt at drives have been made and the city has accordingly been free from such efforts, thereby saving a vast amount of time and energy.
The Attleboro Sun printed a Special War Chest Edition and has been most helpful in many ways.
The adoption quite generally of the employer and employee plan of equal giving has been of very great value to the success of the undertaking,
Attleboro's clergymen and many of her leading citizens publicly endorsed the movement. The blowing of whistles each Wednesday has kept the War Chest spirit before us.
Influenza and other troubles have beset us but the work of the Chest goes marching on just the same. It is a success because the people of Attleboro will it so. And so it will be until the end. The Chest will raise enough to fulfill its obligations and all members will some day look back upon the contributing days as among the most satisfactory in their lives, for the giving has been real and tangible and given generously at the right time and in the right way.
November 30 ends the first six months for the Chest. In that time direct receipts of the Chest have been $67,881.69.
As the Red Cross quota is a district one, the call being for $30,000, the War Chest has received funds to be applied directly to the credit of the Second Red Cross War Fund from the two towns in the dis- trict, Norton and Seekonk, as follows:
Norton
$2,500.00
Seekonk 1,848.50
and from the following:
First National Bank.
750.00
Howard & Bullough Machine Company. 1,000.00
Dr. M. H. Battershall. 50.00
A. & P. Tea Co. 15.96
Home Bleach & Dye Works 25.00
Oscar Wolfenden 579.94
The Disbursement Committee of the War Chest voted to appro- priate $32,000 to the Red Cross for the district of which the foregoing become a part.
It was also voted to appropriate the sum of $1,000 for the pur- chase of Smileage Books for Army use.
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ANNUAL REPORT
The United War Welfare quota for Attleboro was $35,370 with a request that a 50% oversubscription be made, and accordingly the sum of $53,055 was voted for this work, which covers the Y. M. C. A .; Y. W. C. A .; K. of C .; American Library Association; War Camp Community Service; and Jewish Welfare League; and Salvation Army. The Texas Company and Home Bleach & Dye Works have each contributed $50 directly to this drive which helps us with our quota. A promise was made that Red Cross memberships would be given to all War Chest members who had contributed $3.00 to the Chest by November 1, 1918. This promise will be made good some time in December.
Respectfully submitted,
T. S. CARPENTER, President.
LIBERTY LOAN COMMITTEE
Attleboro, Mass., December 2, 1918.
To His Honor, Mayor Harold E. Sweet,
Attleboro, Mass.
Dear Sir:
In compliance with your request, the undersigned chairman takes pleasure in submitting to you. the following report on the Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan Campaign for Attleboro:
The first meeting called to effect a campaign organization was held on September 11, 1918. All told five meetings were held of the Executive Committee and twenty meetings of the Advisory Committee in which was embodied the Executive Committee. Scores of meetings of sub-committees were held throughout the campaign.
The Executive Committee numbered ten members and the Ad- visory Committee twenty-eight members, besides the campaign chair- man and vice-chairman who were ex-officio members of both com- mittees. During the course of the campaign four hundred fifty per- sons took active part and rendered valuable service.
The Committee originally planned on securing Attleboro's quota on the first day of the campaign in a one-day volunteer campaign, conducted as "Liberty Election Day." Valuable assistance was ren- dered the committee in formulating its plans for this campaign by the members of the Worcester committee. Although the Acting-Governor's proclamation compelled a cancellation of the features arranged for this campaign, because of the seriousness of the Spanish Influenza epidemic throughout the Commonwealth at that time, the citizens of Attleboro responded nobly by volunteering their subscriptions at the banks and headquarters on the opening day of the campaign, $828,000 having been subscribed by the evening of the first day. To reach Attleboro's quota a second volunteer day was subsequently arranged as Repeaters' Day, and as a result the city went well over the top.
Attleboro's quota in the Fourth Liberty Loan was $1,168,000. At the conclusion of the campaign Attleboro was credited by the New England Liberty Loan Headquarters with a total subscription of
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ANNUAL REPORT
$1,460,850, subscribed by 7542 persons and firms. These figures speak very favorably for Attleboro, as the city oversubscribed its quota by 25% and 46% of the city's population (1910 census) actually subscribed whereas only 22% of the inhabitants of the country-at-large subscribed to the Fighting Fourth Liberty Loan.
Accordingly this report shall close with a sincere thanks to the hundreds of campaign workers and with a sincere appreciation to the thousands of subscribers.
Respectfully submitted,
CLARENCE L. WATSON, Chairman. WALTER O. LOCHNER, Secretary.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS ATTLEBORO CHAPTER
Attleboro, Mass., December 1, 1918.
Synopsis of Activities of Attleboro Chapter, American Red Cross, During the War Period.
A branch of the Special Aid Society of American Preparedness was organized March 29, 1917. This organization was changed to a chapter of the American Red Cross on October 9, 1917, to have juris- diction over the towns of Norton and Seekonk, and the City of Attle- boro. The following officers, elected at that time are now serving their second term: Chairman, Mrs. Eliza Brown Daggett; Vice Chair- man, Mrs. Harold E. Sweet; Secretary, Mrs. Mary C. Ford; Treas- urer, Miss Elsie M. Dearborn. Total membership, 5935.
Activities
Knitting,-Mrs. E. D. Gilmore, Chairman. Total production, 9054 articles. Distributed locally, 991 articles.
Surgical Dressings,-Miss Harriette L. Wilmarth, Chairman. Total production, 128,225 articles.
Hospital Supplies and Comforts,-Miss Elisabeth Wilmarth, Chair- man. Total production, 129,631 articles. (Pilgrim Church Unit.)
Sewing,-Mrs. James L. Wiggmore, Chairman. 3488 hospital and refugee garments. 800 army kits.
Drives for Belgian Clothing,-Mrs. P. J. Cummings, Chairman. Two drives were conducted. 12,000 lbs. collected and shipped.
Nurses,-Mrs. P. J. Cummings, Chairman. Enrolled Home Defense Nurses, 6. Enrolled Red Cross Nurses, 6. Military Hospital students, 5. Volunteer Aids who helped during epidemic, 60. (Graduates of Home Nursing Classes, 30. Untrained, 30.)
Motor Corps,-Mrs. Ralph P. Kent, Chairman. Number enrolled, 42. Efficient service rendered during influenza epidemic in trans- porting nurses and food and during the Belgian Drive in collecting en- tire amount of clothing.
Home Service,-Mayor Harold E. Sweet, Chairman. Total num-
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ANNUAL REPORT
ber of calls made upon families of soldiers and sailors, 308. Number of workers, 8. Letters written, 200.
Educational Classes,-Mrs. Harold E. Sweet, Chairman. Home Nursing, 4 classes. First Aid to Injured, 3 classes. Foods and Nutri- tion, 1 class.
War Chest Drive,-House to house canvass,-Mrs. H. M. Daggett, Chairman.
Liberty Loans,-Women's Committee,-Mrs. H. M. Daggett, Chr. Christmas packages were sent to men in service overseas in 1917 and 1918.
School children made refugee garments for children, story books and puzzles for convalescent soldiers.
Special Aid Guard,-A military body of 64 young women was organized under the Special Aid Society by Chairman Eliza Brown Daggett and Captain Thomas Williams. Mrs. Ethel Hollis was made captain. This company has cooperated faithfully with the Red Cross Chapter, rendering a prompt response whenever its assistance has been called.
Respectfully submitted,
MARY C. FORD, Secretary.
YOUNG MEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION
THE ATTLEBORO Y. M. C. A. IN THE WORLD WAR
During the entire period of the war, the Y. M. C. A. has been on a war basis. Its first thought has been, "How can the Y. M. C. A. assist in the winning of the war?"
The program has naturally fallen into two divisions Home Work and War Work.
1. The Home Work comprising Gym Classes, Educational Classes and Lectures, Socials, etc., has been such as would instill patriotism and war interest.
2. War Work. The General Secretary served as Hut Secretary at Camp Devens during one winter. He was loaned for this service by the local Y. M. C. A.
A constant campaign has been carried on for suitable men for ser- vice as Secretaries overseas. The result has been the enlistment of a number of capable men for this work.
During the several campaigns for Red Triangle funds, the local Association, ably assisted by its friends has seen to it that Attleboro met her quota. In the War Chest, General Secretary H. M. Fiske served as Executive Secretary and did very efficient work.
The Y. M. C. A. has at all times been at the service of enlisted men . . . all privileges have been extended to men in the uniform, free of charge. This has included the use of the Shower Baths, Swimming Pool, Game and Reading Rooms, etc.
An Honor Roll of the Y. M. C. A. members in the service has been kept and effort made to keep in touch with these men. The list contained over 150 names.
The local Y. M. C. A. has acted as the medium between men over seas and their families here for the forwarding of money in both di- rections. This service has been greatly appreciated.
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